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Scoliosisis a lateral curvature of the spine, the presence of which is abnormal. The spine can bend towards either side of the body at any place: in the chest area (thoracic scoliosis), in the lower part of the back (lumbar) or above and below these areas (thoracolumbar). It can even bend twice causing an S shaped curve. Muscles that are attached to the spine can also be affected due to the curvature. Muscle spasms can be quite common.

90% of all people affected by scoliosis are female; it's much less common in males. Approximately four per cent of the general population is affected. It can occur at any age, but rapid acceleration of the curve develops around puberty. Other causes for scoliosis include birth defects, cerebral palsy,and muscular dystrophy, however, most children affected (80%) have idiopathic scoliosis. The most common time for it to develop is in pre-to-early teens when hormones are changing. (Scoliosis Association of Australia)

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For more information, take a look through "Help Yourself: an A-Z of natural cures for common complaints" by Mim Beim and Jan Castorina. It's published by Doubleday and is available through all good bookstores.